Florence - Palazzo Vecchio

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families.

In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance.

As the seat of the city parliament, the "Palazzo Vecchio" was the center of secular power in Florence in the 14th century.

Construction of the building began in 1299. The architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio was responsible for planning the palazzo. From its completion in 1314, the building housed the parliament of the Republic of Florence and served as sleeping quarters for the deputies. This also explains the defensive character of the architecture, which met the desire of those gathered for security, for protection against attacks by restless family clans or angry people.

Seen in front is a sign of protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.